Hidden Valley Wild Horse Protection Fund (HVWHPF) is proud to celebrate the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) national Help A Horse Day on April 26 by hosting the 1st Annual Helping Horses Expo – The Virginia Range Experience. In line with celebrating horses, just last week Reno Mayor Robert Cashell issued a Proclamation celebrating Nevada’s wild horses and burros and supporting the development of related ecotourism.

The public is invited to join this free event at the Bartley Ranch Horse Arena in Reno. The Helping Horses Expo is an opportunity to learn how to get involved to Help A Horse and will feature local organizations and individuals who work every day to help the historic wild horses of the Virginia Range and who will be on hand to share their experiences, knowledge, and appreciation for horses.

Gates open at 1:00 pm followed with opening ceremonies at 1:30 featuring Lacy J Dalton. Well known natural horsemanship trainer Midori Morgan and her trick horse “Willie” will open the Expo with some riding fun and entertainment – and Willie will be available throughout the afternoon as the canvas for hand painting fun. Midori Morgan of Wild Horsemanship, Willis Lamm of Wild Horse Mentors, and Megan Lowry of Sunrise Ranch will host wild horse training workshops and large animal rescue demonstrations between 2:00 and 4:30 pm. It will be an afternoon of showcasing natural horsemanship techniques that make it possible and easier to work with wild horses.

This nationwide celebration is for equine rescues and sanctuaries to raise awareness about the lifesaving work they do year-round to care for at-risk horses in their community who have been abused, neglected, or rounded up. Horses have been central to the ASPCA’s work since its founding 148 years ago, when Henry Bergh stopped a cart driver from beating his horse, resulting in the first successful arrest for the mistreatment of a horse on April 26, 1866.

“HVWHPF’s ASPCA Helping Horses Expo is a terrific opportunity for the people of the Reno/Sparks area to discover the great work being done for the wild horses that live in our backyard,” said Shannon Windle, President. “There will be something for everyone, whether you’re already involved with horses, just love to be around them, or like to read about them. It will be an afternoon filled with fun and interesting activities while giving the public a chance to see some of our wild horses.”.“Our organization is very honored to be hosting an event of this caliber and to showcase the talented people who dedicate their time to helping the historic wild horses of the Virginia Range,” said Betsy Brownfield, Director and long-time volunteer. “We invite everyone to come out on April 26 to support ASPCA’s Help A Horse Day and learn how they can help horses.”

“It’s a chance for people to get involved and help shape the way the Virginia Range wild horses are managed,” said Ellen Holcomb, Treasurer and wild horse photographer. “HVWHPF has rescued 159 historic Virginia Range wild horses from the slaughter pipeline since September 2012. While 36 of our rescued horses have found forever homes, the rest of the horses and 32 yearlings are now looking for their new homes. I already sponsor several of our wild horses and am proud of the work we all do and of our achievements.”

The Hidden Valley Wild Horse Protection Fund is an all-volunteer registered 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization headquartered in Reno, Nevada. It was organized in 2008 with the mission to protect and preserve the wild horses that settle in the foothills surrounding eastern Reno in the winter months. For over 20 years, volunteers have monitored herd health, grazing availability, provided attention to sick and injured horses and foals, aided in state run adoption processes, and installed and mended fencing and cattle guards. Other volunteers are involved in ensuring federal and state departments are working within the statues that provide protection and care for the wild horses. For more information about Hidden Valley Wild Horse Protection Fund, please visit hiddenvalleyhorses.com